Double murder suspect had lengthy criminal history

Billy Retherford is accused of killing both Debbie Striano and Greg Imhoff. Imhoff was killed inside a North Fort Myers home that Retherford had been hiding out in and we spoke to the man who owns that home.More >>

Billy Retherford is accused of killing both Debbie Striano and Greg Imhoff. Imhoff was killed inside a North Fort Myers home that Retherford had been hiding out in and we spoke to the man who owns that home.More >>

A man wanted for the murder of Debra Striano in the Three Oaks community was shot and killed early Wednesday morning by deputies - just hours after another killing investigators say is connected to the case.More >>

A man wanted for the murder of Debra Striano in the Three Oaks community was shot and killed early Wednesday morning by deputies - just hours after another killing investigators say is connected to the case.More >>

Deputies are trying to figure out who killed a San Carlos Park woman who neighbors describe as 'nice' and 'friendly.'More >>

Deputies are trying to figure out who killed a San Carlos Park woman who neighbors describe as 'nice' and 'friendly.'More >>

LEE COUNTY, Fla. -

Billy Ray Retherford is suspected of two murders, one in the Three Oaks area and another two weeks later in North Fort Myers. New documents reveal Retherford's extensive criminal past and his considerable time behind bars.

"Why would they let him go?" said Rose Striano, Debra Striano's mother.

Striano is referring to Billy Ray Retherford, the man suspected of killing Debra during a home invasion three weeks ago.

Jaye is in the Lee County Jail. Retherford was killed by members of the US Marshals Task Force.

"It could have been one of my deputies shot that night," said Lee County Sheriff Mike Scott.

Retherford was on the run for more than a week, after deputies questioned him and Jaye for Debra's murder.

"Some of these tests that we do, some of this evidence that needs to be tested and validated, it doesn't happen within 40 minutes and TV commercials like CSI or something. It takes a little bit of time and there are certain rules we have to play by," said Scott.

Because of those rules, Scott says they had to let Jaye and Retherford go.

Before he was shot and killed, deputies say Retherford killed Greg Imhoff.

Scott says the system allowed that tragedy.

"The criminal justice system as we know it and how it has evolved from that night, is failing us with people like Billy Ray Retherford," said Scott.

Retherford was convicted of 14 felonies in Lee County between 1988 to 2007.

One of those incidents involved a deputy.

The deputy's affidavit states, "The defendant (Billy Retherford) rushed me and grabbed my gun hand and attempted to get my weapon away from me. At this time I became fearful for my safety."

Retherford has served more than 15 years in prison for that and other crimes. Law enforcement believes he has committed more.

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